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A motor vehicle dealer who operated his business from a location that was different to what was allowed by his licence was reprimanded and fined $1,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) on 24 February 2016.

George Reid Smith, trading as Pearl Motors, was granted a licence to operate his dealership in Broome in February 2011. He informed Consumer Protection in May 2013 that he was re-locating to Mandurah and was closing down his Broome business.

He operated his dealership in Mandurah for two years from premises that were not authorised and outside the authority of the licence, in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. During this time he bought 62 vehicles and sold 55. It wasn’t until July 2015 that he applied to operate his business in Mandurah and his application was granted.

The SAT took into consideration Mr Smith’s age, poor health and previous unblemished record when determining the penalty in this case.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said that Mr Smith had ignored his obligations under the Act.

“Mr Smith was well aware of his obligation to re-apply to Consumer Protection when he re-located his business to Mandurah, but failed to do so for two years,” Mr Hillyard said.

“This serves to remind all licensed motor vehicle dealers that they must comply with all aspects of the Act when operating their businesses.”